12 days in Portugal Itinerary

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

Attractions like Lisbon Oceanarium and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos make great kid-friendly stops. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Lisbon: Sintra (Quinta da Regaleira & Park and National Palace of Pena). The adventure continues: make a trip to Belém Tower, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, examine the collection at Museu Nacional do Azulejo, and step into the grandiose world of Castelo de S. Jorge.

To find maps, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Lisbon tour itinerary website.

Boston, USA to Lisbon is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. Traveling from Boston to Lisbon, you'll lose 5 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Boston in December; daily highs in Lisbon reach °F and lows reach °F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can drive to Albufeira.

Along Portugal's southern Algarve region sits Albufeira, a city boasting 20 beaches for visitors to choose from.

Bring the kids along to Praia Da Rocha and Praia dos Salgados. Change things up with these side-trips from Albufeira: Praia da Marinha (in Caramujeira) and Praia da Cordoama (in Vila do Bispo). The adventure continues: stroll through Falesia Beach, find something for the whole family at Zoomarine Algarve, hike along Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, and enjoy the sand and surf at Praia Gale.

To find photos, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Albufeira vacation app.

You can drive from Lisbon to Albufeira in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In December in Albufeira, expect temperatures between °F during the day and °F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to travel to Porto.

Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names. Portugal's second-largest metropolis dates back to the 4th century, representing both a rich cultural past and industrial present through its architecture and style.

Bring the kids along to Ponte de Dom Luis I and Palacio da Bolsa. There's still lots to do: get the lay of the land with Walking tours, admire the masterpieces at Museu Serralves, don't miss a visit to Liberdade Square, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral).

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Porto vacation maker.

You can fly from Albufeira to Porto in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Albufeira in December, expect slightly colder with lows of °F in Porto. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Wed) early enough to travel back home.